6 April 2007, by Tom Kundert

Benfica come back from the dead to keep Uefa Cup dream alive

Espanyol 3-2 Benfica

Goals from Nuno Gomes and Simao helped Benfica recover from a seemingly disastrous position as they escaped from Spain with a 3-2 defeat against Espanyol.

A nightmare first hour saw a disorganised Benfica go three goals down but a two-goal salvo boosted the Eagles to raise their hopes of making progress to the Uefa cup semi-final.

Fernando Santos sprang something of a surprise as Joao Coimbra and Derlei were picked ahead of Rui Costa and Miccoli respectively. The decisions backfired badly as the home side, roared on by a big crowd in Barcelona, pushed the Eagles firmly onto the back foot from the very first minute.

It came as little surprise when Tamudo burst through the centre of Benfica’s defence and hit a rasping shot past Quim to give Espanyol a 14th-minute lead.

The hosts continued to pour forward with intent, and as Fernando Santos ordered Rui Costa to start warming up he saw his team go two goals down. Tamudo did well to send in a dangerous cross which Riera latched onto. The forward hit a powerful shot towards goal which thudded against Nelson’s head on its way into the net.

Keeper thwarts Benfica

Benfica almost hit back immediately when a Simao diving header forced Gorka into an excellent reaction save. The home goalkeeper bettered that stop ten minutes later when Nuno Gomes deflected a Simao cross towards goal but Gorka produced a cat-like dive to keep the ball out.

Benfica trooped off the pitch at the interval knowing a big improvement was required if they were to stay in the tie. The Portuguese side started the second half with a more positive attitude and seemed to be working themselves back into the match when they were stunned by a third Espanyol goal.

Riera was inexplicably given all the time and space he needed on the wing to look up and hit a pinpoint cross on to the head of Pandiana who made no mistake.

Just as Benfica’s Uefa Cup aspirations seemed to be torn to shreds the Portuguese club struck back in devastating fashion with two goals in two minutes. First substitute Miccoli was released by a wonderful David Luiz pass and the Italian striker coolly passed for Nuno Gomes to tap in.

Captain marvellous

Almost immediately captain Simao picked up the ball on the left edge of the penalty box and cut inside two defenders brilliantly before hitting a powerful cross-shot that arrowed into the net with the aid of a deflection.

Benfica were now enjoying their best phase of the match and Rui Costa, Miccoli and Karagounis all went close to equalising. Nevertheless the Spaniards produced a late flourish and only two superb saves from Quim in the last five minutes kept the deficit down to one goal.

Benfica will be relieved they are still very much alive in the tie after looking dead and buried, but Fernando Santos knows his team must produce a more consistent display at the Estadio da Luz next week if they are to stay in the competition.

PortuGOAL man of the match:
Quim – Blameless for the Espanyol goals, two magnificent late stops could prove crucial for the outcome of the tie.

Espanyol:
Gorka, Zabaleta (Lacruz, 71), Torrejon, Jarque, Chica, De la Pena, Moises, Rufete (Ito, 81), Luis Garcia, Riera, Tamudo (Pandiani, 54)
Yellow Cards: Zabaleta (25), Riera (64)

Benfica:
Quim, Nelson, Anderson, David Luiz, Leo, Petit, Karagounis, Joao Coimbra (Rui Costa, 38), Derlei (Miccoli, 57), Nuno Gomes, Simao
Yellow Cards: Anderson (3)

Goals:
[1-0] Tamudo, 15
[2-0] Nelson, 33 (o.g.)
[3-0] Pandiani, 58
[3-1] Nuno Gomes, 63
[3-2] Simao, 65